VP Alupo Urges Parents to Advocate for the Promotion of Girl-Child Education
Parents have been urged to disseminate and implement the advocacy for girl-child education in order to break the cycle of poverty prevalent in our communities.
Addressing the audience during the inauguration of St. Elizabeth Girls’ School in Kikumbo, Rubirizi district, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo emphasized the significance of an educated woman as a valuable asset to the nation.
“The eradication of poverty within our communities is unattainable without empowering the girl child through education. An educated woman serves as an invaluable asset to her family, community, government, and the nation as a whole,” expressed the vice president.
She further urged parents to instill ethical values and principles in their daughters.
“With the establishment of this school by the Church and political leaders, I implore parents to not only extend their support to the school but more importantly, ensure the continuity of their daughters’ education,” she emphasized.
Alupo commended the school as a complementary effort to the government’s initiatives aimed at empowering the girl-child through education.
“Education stands as the master key to empowering girls in our communities and rectifying historical injustices against women that were perpetuated by archaic cultural beliefs and practices that marginalized formal education for girls,” she remarked.
Drawing inspiration from the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the book of Matthew 13:31-32, Alupo encouraged the founders of the school and the community to persevere in their endeavors.
The vice president expressed her satisfaction that the school is founded on the strong principles of the church and its teachings.
She extended her gratitude to Kikumbo Catholic Parish, led by Father Alex Mubangizi, and the area’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Muhammad Kato, for their visionary leadership in establishing the school.
Addressing the students, Alupo encouraged them to embody honesty, diligence, discipline, humility, and above all, a reverence for God.
“Devote yourselves to your studies and resist the allure of material possessions. Remember your roots and understand that your success uplifts not only your family but your entire community,” she advised.
She reminded the students that through education, they serve as guiding lights for their families.
“As His Excellency the President frequently advises the youth, avoid reckless behavior. The nation requires your well-being and strength to contribute to Uganda’s progress,” Alupo emphasized.
Once again, she expressed gratitude to the Church and the area MP for their significant contribution to the region’s development through the establishment of the school.
The school’s enrollment is steadily increasing, with students coming from distant districts such as Moyo, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Mbarara, and Rubirizi.
According to Hon. Kato, the school’s proprietor, the initial structure comprised four classrooms, some of which were utilized as dormitories.
He informed the vice president that as the student population grows, the school’s infrastructure demands will inevitably escalate.
However, the school management intends to construct a three-story building to accommodate the projected increase in student numbers.
In his sermon, Fr. Mubangizi urged the students to prioritize God in all their pursuits and cautioned them against early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, which could hinder their educational progress.
He emphasized that the establishment of the school signifies a positive development in the region by bringing educational services closer to the local populace.
St. Elizabeth Girls’ School commenced operations on February 3, 2024, with only two classes – Senior One and Senior Two.
